County's spring cleaning schedule announced

Clean Sweep accepts a variety of old and expired chemicals.

Where can you get rid of that VCR you never use? How can you toss batteries and bug sprays safely? What about tax records and other confidential papers? There are numerous opportunities this spring to dispose of these items safely and conveniently.

For electronics: This Sat., April 20, Moraine Park Technical College's E-cycle event is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Fond du Lac campus. The IT Club accepts cell phones as well as computers, vacuum cleaners, coffeemakers and other electrical devices. E-mail Lisa Pollard, lpollard@morainepark.edu, with questions.

For expired prescription drugs: Don't flush these into the water system. Hand them off to the police department on the morning of Saturday, April 27. Locations include FDL County Fairgrounds, Ripon Medical Center, Agnesian Pharmacy in Waupun, Campbellsport Police Department, and the PDQ parking lot in North Fond du Lac. Go to www.drugfreefdl.com for more information.

For confidential papers: National Exchange Bank & Trust will host a free Shred Day on Sat., April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring documents to the bank at 130 South Main, downtown, and they will be shredded right there. Guidelines: Only paper items, and no more than will fill one large garbage bag (though you may use other containers). For details, call National Exchange Bank at 921-7700.

For hazardous chemicals: The UW-Extension of Fond du Lac County will hold a Clean Sweep collection on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4. Chemical waste includes solvents and craft supplies; household cleaners; pesticides and fungicides; automotive products; lead acid batteries; and mercury.

Dates and times vary among three sites: Brandon, Campbellsport, and the Expo Building at the FDL County Fairgrounds. Clean Sweep is open to all Fond du Lac County residents for $5 per vehicle (cash only). Farms, businesses, and school districts must pre-register because of large quantities. Contact the local UW-Extension office at (920) 929-3171; or write to Tina.Engelhardt@ces.uwex.edu. The UW-Extension Website, http://fonddulac.uwex.edu/CleanSweep, answers Frequently Asked Questions about disposing of items that are not safe in landfills.